KSYR Runway 10 ILS Approach Question

[makonyy15]

Currently listening to SYR Tower/Approach feed and had a question regarding Runway 10 Approach Clearance. I've never heard them do this before so I wonder if someone could chime in as to why they're doing it.

Basically, as soon as aircraft make initial contact with Syracuse Approach they're cleared for the ILS approach. I've usually heard them vectored down to a lower altitude then cleared closer to the airport for the approach. First time I've seen it done this way.

Example:

EGF4057: Syracuse APP, Eagle Flight 4057 checking in, 11,500 for 11,000 with India.
SYR: Eagle Flight 4057, roger. Syracuse Altimeter 29.82, 17 miles from SOLVA, descend and maintain 3,000 until established, cleared ILS 10 approach.

ILS Plate:
http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/SYR/IAP/ILS+OR+LOC+RWY+10/pdf

[klkm]

Probably no other traffic, they are already on a good intercept heading or direct SYR put them at a nice 20 degree intercept, so nothing to do with them but verify they have the atis/altimeter and clear them in. 

[w0x0f]

A lack of traffic and possibly communications you may not have heard (coordination between the center and SYR giving the aircraft direct to a fix on the final approach course or a heading to intercept the final.)  The controller would only have to give position, altitude until established, and approach clearance if this was the case.  Just a guess.